Nillion Network (NIL): Definition, History and Technology

Bittime - Nillion Network (NIL) is a decentralized infrastructure network designed to handle high-value data securely, without requiring decryption. This technology allows the transfer, storage and computing of data to remain in encrypted form, keeping personal data protected throughout its life cycle. This approach is known as Blind Compute. Nillion opens up new opportunities for Web3 applications, such as private AI, private LLM inference, and industries that require high data security.

History of Nillion Network

Nillion was founded in 2021 by a team with experience in blockchain, finance and technology. The core team consists of Alex Page (CEO), Andrew Masanto (CSO), Slava Rubin (CBO), Dr. Miguel de Vega (Chief Scientist), Conrad Whelan (Founding CTO), Mark McDermott (COO), and Andrew Yeoh (CMO). To date, Nillion has raised $50 million in funding from major investors such as Hack VC, Hashkey Capital, and Distributed Global.

Since its founding, Nillion has focused on developing infrastructure that enables encrypted computing and has launched several frameworks such as nilVM, nilDB, nilAI, and nilChain.

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Technology Nillion Network

Architectural Layers

Nillion Network consists of two main layers: Coordination Layer (nilChain) and Petnet (Orchestration Layer). The Coordination Layer is tasked with managing payments, crypto-economic security, and coordination between clusters. Built using the Cosmos SDK, nilChain has been running on the testnet since June 2024.

Petnet is at the heart of encrypted computing and storage processes, using advanced cryptographic technologies such as Multi-Party Computation (MPC), Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE), and Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs). With the support of a compiler called Nada, Petnet enables computing on encrypted data efficiently and securely.

Multi-Party Computation (MPC)

MPC allows a number of parties to perform computing together without disclosing each other's personal data. Nillion developed an MPC protocol called Curl, based on Linear Secret-Sharing Schemes (LSSS), which is capable of handling complex mathematical operations such as division, square roots, and trigonometric functions.

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How Nillion Network Works

1. Users or developers send data or computing requests through frontend applications.
2. The application interacts with the Coordination Layer for payment and transaction management.
3. The Coordination Layer forwards the request to Petnet.
4. Petnet processes data with PETs such as Garbled Circuits and Homomorphic Encryption.
5. The computational results are returned to the frontend application or smart contract on the relevant blockchain.

Application Development Tools

Nillion provides several tools for developers:

• mark: AI technology library with high privacy.
• nilVM and Tone: Virtual machine and Python-based programming language for building applications with PET.
• nilDB: Encrypted storage solution.
• nilChain: Coordination and payments between clusters.

Conclusion

Nillion Network exists as a solution to the limitations of traditional blockchain in terms of security and computing personal data. With Blind Compute technology and advanced PETs support, Nillion opens up new opportunities for Web3, private AI, and industrial applications that require high levels of data security.

FAQ

1. What is Nillion Network?

Nillion Network is a decentralized network that allows the transfer, storage and computing of data in encrypted form without decryption.

2. Who is the main founder of Nillion?

The founding team includes Alex Page, Andrew Masanto, Slava Rubin, Dr. Miguel de Vega, Conrad Whelan, Mark McDermott, and Andrew Yeoh.

3. What are the advantages of Nillion technology compared to regular blockchain?

Nillion enables computing encrypted data directly without leaking information, supported by advanced technologies such as MPC, FHE, and ZKPs.

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Reference

Messer, Understanding Nillion: A Comprehensive Overview, accessed March 25, 2025.

Author: MF